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 Our Klamath Basin Water Crisis
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own property, and caretake our wildlife and natural resources. 

 9/29/05
Response from Bureau of Reclamation to questions by Klamath Irrigators via KBC

Questions for the Bureau of Reclamation. We would like answers to share with our readers: Thank you. (sent to Bureau 9/22/05).

Questions for the Bureau of Reclamation and answers.

* Where is the Bureau with the re-consultation process that was said to occur in 2006 regarding the biological opinion?

The Bureau of Reclamation currently has plans to initiate re-consultation in the fall of 2006 with the expectation to have a new Biological Opinion in place for the 2008 irrigation season. Certain studies which will be necessary in the re-consultation are being completed, such as the Undepleted Natural Flow of the Upper Klamath River study.

* What is the latest update on the Barnes Ranch acquisition/purchase?

Currently, Reclamation is anticipating leasing the Barnes property again this winter (2005/2006) for water storage.

 * Did leasing of Barnes property by the Bureau provide any water savings/storage for irrigators?

The leasing of the Barnes property during winter 2004/2005 yielded 25,000 acre-feet that was used to meet downstream flow requirements and irrigation needs.


There have been questions by our agriculture communities regarding the Chadwick process:
* Is the Chadwick consensus process replacing the CIP process that many community members and organizations gave input into?

No, the Chadwick consensus process is not replacing the CIP process. The Chadwick process is essentially a method of helping people to understand each other’s issues through open communication. Comments received during the Chadwick meetings are incorporated into the CIP program document. The CIP will be an on-the-ground restoration and research program conducted in conjunction with continued use of water for irrigation, municipal, power production, fishery, and similar purposes


* If the CIP process is going to resume, when will it begin? Draft 2 was in February 2004.

Yes, the next draft of the CIP will be available to the public for review and comment in December 2005.


* Chadwick has many committees, including power rate committee, dam removal, tribal trust, water demand reduction, returning the forests to the tribes, etc. If a person, lets say a farmer, does not drive to Yreka or Scott Valley or wherever to participate in the 3-day meetings, how will he/she have a voice in your consensus decisions?

As mentioned in the answer to the earlier question, the Chadwick process is separate from the CIP process. Comments from all entities, public or private, on the CIP program document are encouraged by the Bureau of Reclamation. If a person would like to make comments, they can be sent to:

Christine Karas
Deputy Area Manager
Bureau of Reclamation
6600 Washburn Way
Klamath Falls, OR 97603
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